Foner

Improved Essays
Foner would describe history as for how the events of the past have contributed to the present and the future. Specifically, every single detail of the past is responsible for the present. For example, Foner notes that The Slave Trade was one aspect which has shaped the present. Ib his book he documents, “Liverpool and Nantes, two European ports whose wealth derived from the slave trade, have hosted museum exhibits candidly depicting the role of slavery in their growth”. These ports’ success and prominence have slavery as a contributing factor. Without the slave trade, Liverpool and Nantes may not have produced enough income to remain in business as long as it has or to become successful overall. Clearly, this example showcases how the events …show more content…
Foner notes in his book, “ There is nothing unusual or sinister in the fact that each generation rewrites history to suit its own needs, or about disagreements within the profession and among the public at large about how history should best be taught and studied”. This furthermore enhances the idea that one country, group, museum or person will display history as to what they see as important and unnecessary. This is a perfect example of why we should study history because without knowing the full scenario, we tend to believe one side of the argument is better than the other when in reality, we are only given a portion of the truth. Foner then continues, “ Of course, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with young people either developing from history a sense of identity or taking pride in their nation's accomplishments. But when history locates supposedly primordial characteristics shared with members one’s own group and no one else, it negates the interpenetration of cultures that is so much a part of our nation’s past”. This informs us that nationalist tend to sugarcoat ideas which affect history, by changing to it to make one group superior to the other. Therefore, Foner would believe we should study history because it is important to develop our own ideas, instead of comprehending false

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